“We made it,” were the words spoken by many, at the first sight of 2010. Reflections of 2009 are now in rear view, as local officials look forward with optimism and hope for the next 12 months, when asked to share their wish lists for 2010.
Andy Crocker, South Fulton Police Chief- We will not receive the $20,000 grant we were promised. However, we will receive a smaller grant, to purchase some of the radio equipment we planned on purchasing with the larger grant. This should get us through the next budget year without any unforeseen problems. The only other thing I wish we could have for the new year, would be one more officer. Maybe if the COPS grant becomes available this spring, we could get lucky this time.
Jeff Vowell, South Fulton City Manger- A complete roof repair on the municipal building, to begin establishing long term goals- been putting out fires, to begin the first phase of the waste water rehab, to draft and implement a more detailed personnel policy for city employees that clearly defines ambiguities and contradictions that presently exist;
To continue to operate efficiently within a balanced budget- continue improving liquidity of the city so as to better withstand unforeseen expenses; to find funding assistance to address rolling equipment needs in the fire department, to create alternative sources of revenue for the city, through utilization of existing assets and offering additional services.
I wish for a year with no extended absences due to illness, and a safe and healthy year for all city employees. Personally I want to continue to learn something new everyday while maintaining my sanity.
David Gallagher, Fulton County Judge Executive- Our primary focus for 2010 is to create jobs, jobs, and more jobs.
We are developing two area industrial sites- one in Hickman and one in Fulton. Much has been done to prepare the sites, but additional work remains.
We are also focusing on our infrastructure needs and increasing capabilities to meet the demands of industry. This work includes the airport, riverport, shortline rail, ferry and highways.
In 2010 we expect to make significant progress in these areas. The Fulton County- Hickman County Economic Development Partnership continues to work hard for our existing industries and businesses, and has helped with some job expansion locally.
We are working to form an expanded partnership with our neighbors in Northwest Tennessee, and hope to have it functional early 2010. In spite of all the doom and gloom forecasted nationwide, we remain hopeful and optimistic for 2010.
Eddie Crittendon, Fulton-Hickman County Economic Development Partnership- We really had a good year considering the economic situation in some of the surrounding counties in the Purchase region.
In 2009 we had one plant closure. Eagle Compressor in Hickman. That announcement came in February. We were fortunate to see some of our companies hiring in 2009 and calling back employees who were laid off. We had a couple of companies expand their operations and some purchase equipment that enabled them to hire a few more employees. As this year winds to an end many of our companies are really rebounding with some busting through the seams.
We spent most of the year building our data base for the coming year. There has been no doubt that we have been in one of the worst economic times since the Depression. We spent alot of time talking with our existing industries, and making sure we have done everything we could to help them be profitable during these hard times.
We did not spend alot of time with new prospects, frankly because there was very little if any ‘new projects’ landing anywhere in the Purchase region. Most of the projects that surfaced in 2009 were consolidation projects, companies looking to merge existing industries in different locations together.
We spent alot of time in 2009 in a very aggressive marketing campaign. This has been very positive for our two counties. We have been able to get into the offices of several companies that may be looking to expand or relocate from other states through this marketing campaign. We plan to visit them early 2010 to show them why they should choose Fulton and Hickman Counties for their next project.
Our goal for the coming year is to work hard in our marketing efforts to recruit new industry to Fulton and Hickman Counties. Jamieson’s Distillery in Hickman is nearly operational and we are hopeful they will be opening up early to mid 2010. This will bring some much needed jobs to the area. We will be hosting a job fair for them in the next few months.
As 2010 enters in we will be working hard to bring new industry to our two counties by focusing on some of our greatest assets. That is our river, rail, and location to the future I-69 corridor. We are very fortunate to have all this invaluable transportation infrastructure located in our two counties and we feel that in the coming months, these assets will help tremendously in our efforts to bring economic growth to Fulton and Hickman Counties. Happy New Year!
Kenney Etherton, Fulton City Manager- A better January, with no ice. I am looking forward to working on our downtown park projects. I am excited to see someone step up to the plate and get things moving. I hope to see more citizens involved in projects. That is what makes our community healthy. We have contracted with a group from Lexington to help us with a grant application plan. I have high expectations for this project.
I am looking forward to getting the final stages of our Housing CDBG grant complete, and starting construction on some houses.
We always have to look at working smarter and how to save money. My wish every year is that we find ways to work with each other and share our toys and ideas. This can only help us all.
I hope 2010 brings jobs and employment to our community. We as city government work hard at doing what we can to bring jobs to the community and will continue to do so. People working will bring our economy back. Terry Powell, Fulton Police Chief- I wish for everyone to live in peace and harmony, and that all people in the community would focus and support the Neighborhood Watch Program, by being the eyes and ears of your local law enforcement.
Dianne Owen, Fulton Independent Schools Superintendent- My wish list for 2010 is that the Kentucky Department of Education be awarded, The Race to the Top Federal Grant; that the Fulton Independent School District be awarded a state Enhancing Education through Technology Grant; that our district successfully works with former graduates and community members to develop a trained work force for economic growth and development; and to express to the community how thankful we are for their continued support.
David Huss, Director of Obion County Schools- The Obion County School Systems goals and wishes for 2010 are as follows: To fund and complete the vocational piece to our 20 plus- year building program, to maintain all present positions in this difficult economy, to continue to improve our graduation rates, to fully implement our reading recovery/ balanced literacy programs, and to fund and implement distance learning labs at our high schools.
Dan Voegeli, Mayor of Fulton- There are alot of positive things happening in our community. Just a few items of the good news are: Several local employers are working record numbers of employees;
Our residential renovation project is about to begin;
Downtown Fulton is on the edge of taking a new look thanks to privately backed efforts of a few individuals and one or more civic organizations. This year my wish list includes:
Continue to hope and pray each member of our community will focus themselves on serving our Heavenly Father, through His only son, Jesus Christ;
While I hope we do not have another ice storm, such as we endured January 2009, I hope the spirit of ‘neighbors caring for neighbors,’ that came forth during last year’s ice storm will continue.
I hope the efforts being put forth to bring about new jobs to our community will continue to show positive results in the coming months.
I wish for relief from the financial crisis being faced by individuals, businesses, and all levels of government.
I wish for our housing renovation grant to be completed that will provide help to a number of families across the community so they may have decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
I wish for the projected downtown renovation projects to be completed to make our community more attractive to residents and visitors. I wish for success in our efforts to seek more grants for use in improving living conditions in the city of Fulton.
I wish for every neighborhood to be protected by our Neighborhood Watch program to help encourage criminals to leave our community. I wish for every citizen to willingly carry his share of the load to make this a better place to live, worship, work, and play.
I wish that at the end of 2010, each person in the community is worthy of hearing, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
South Fulton mayor, David Crocker was contacted by the Fulton Leader, to provide his “wish list,” however a response was not submitted to the Leader.
